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Swedish goods, probbly of local manufacture
Front of BreweryMIDSOMMARFEST!!
Midsommarfest in Rockford is much more Swedish than the Midsommarfest in Chicago, even if it is a lot smaller. Ev erything fits onto one block, b ut then again, they aren't trying to squeeze in Vietnamese noodle stands and people trying to sell you cell phone service or refinance your house. You sing, dance around the Maypole, get freckled by Pippi Longstocking, eat Swedish food and sample l;ocal beers. Its a great little time. That said, its also quite local. When I was there, I don't think they ever had more than about 250 people there, which was kind of nice because you aren't mobbed at the booth you make your (real) floral headwreath and people smile to your daughter. They seemed surprised and pleased that people would make the trek from Chicago to visit their small festival (though I was stared at like a Martian for speaking Italian to my daughter) and really was welcomed warmly. Parking was easy, the atmosphere was light, and the festival itself is just the right size and shape. The event is sponsored by the Swedish Museum.
